[sitetest]

Dear Mrs. Don-o

Here is some of that which Andrew Byyer speaks:

"What I didn't understand, nor anticipate, was how difficult it would be to find an orthodox parish here. We have lots of faithful Catholic friends here, and I don't think it's unfair to say that most of them are doing what most (but not all) orthodox Catholics in this country do: grit their teeth and white-knuckle it out in their parishes, doing what they can to hang on."

Perhaps I'm not an orthodox Catholic, or perhaps I'm just not part of the majority of orthodox Catholics, but I'm not sure that I grit my teeth and "white-knuckle it out."

I think much of the criticism directed toward Mr. Dreher is appropriate, fair, and true.


sitetest

[Tax-chick]

I agree with you, sitetest.

I had to check the whole thread to see whether I'd offered any comments other than "Bless his heart," and "Neil Cavuto's a good broadcaster," but it looks like most of my discussion has been on other threads.

However, I'll say the same here: I think the rumpus is not about the Orthodox Church, but about Mr. Dreher and the attitude toward others that is conveyed in his writing. It seems that many readers, myself included, really find authorial persona very, very unlikeable. (Usual disclaimer, may be a wonderful guy in Real Life, don't know him personally, etc., etc.)

After reading his Opus, I truly felt pity for him. Obviously he and his family were experiencing dreadful unhappiness, and I am sorry for them, although I don't share their feelings in any way. I hope they will find peace.

Cheers, y'all,

Tax-chick

[Mrs. Don-o]

Well, I've got to consider your verdict; you're probably more unbiased in your evaluations than I am. I know I see Rod's writing embedded in a big 'ol friendly context from having mutual friends and from having heard him speak (very well) at Touchstone conferences and so forth. It's a context that sweetens all tones, brightens all colors, and even protects against overdraft.

Let's pray for this new-father and always-brother. And I'm gonna see if I can get me one of them "contexts" for myself :o)